Sorting machine



April 14, 1925.

G. W. COX. JR

SORTI'NG MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filgd May 6, 1922 3141x211 fox George W. C01, J7:

April 14, 1925.

G. w. coxjJR SORTING IIACHINE Filed uay, 1922- 5 sheets-sheet s 61H01 um,

April l14, 1925.

G. W. COX, JR

SORTING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filgd May 6, 1922 u rmuznfo'v George Z. Cal/,plm

April 14,1925.

` G. w. cox. JR

soR'rINGInAcHINE Filed nay 6, 1922 .5 Sheets-Shed: 5

eovye- Patented pr. 14, 14925.

- `UMTED STATES PATENT oFF-ICE.

GEOEGEW. cox, an., oE WASHINGTON, nrs'rarcr or COLUMBIA, AssieNon To NA- TIONAL Asson'rING COMPANY, or WASHINGTON, DISTRICT: or coLUitBIA, A conroRATIoN' or DELAWARE.

son'rINe MACHINE.,

Application filed May 6,

"Washington, in the District of Columbia,

have .invented certain new and useful I mprovements in Sort-ing Machines, votwhich the following is a specification. s This invention i relates toO sorting `machines, and it: has for itsl object among others to provide a simplified form of sorting Vmachine in which conveyor belts andI other Jforms of conveying means are dispensed with, the device being key-operated, and having its component' `parts so constructed and arranged that a multiplicity of promiscuously arranged papers may be sorted into their propel1 order by one manipulation of each instead of necessitating aseriesof operation in order to bring about the final result as has been the practice heretofore. This invention notonly' effects a greatsaving of time butl dispenses with complicated mechanisms-as well as economizing in space. Furthermore, the device is easily,

manipulated, not liable to get out of order, Vand is absolutely reliable'and certainin its results. NotV only do I accomplish the desired result in much less time, but :l do so with practically one-third the llabor required where heretofore at least three .ma- 'nipulations have been necessary to sort the papers into theirfinal arrangement.I

' Furthermore, papers may be sorted into classes of arrangement either by number, letter, or other designation, such for' instance as where checks are thrown into groups according to the names of banks;

- where papers yare throwntogether by names or locations; etc. Infact it may be said that there is practically no limit of uses ot the machine in the assortment` of checks, tickets, coupons, or other papers, provision being made for readily handling the papers, irrespective of their thickness or dimensions.

Other objects and advantagesfof the. invention will hereinafter appear and the novel features thereof will he particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

The invention is capable of embodiment in a variety o-orms, that herein shown being given for the purpose of illustration only and is not, to be in any wise construed 1922. serial No. 559,020.

as the necessary or only embodiment of the invention.

`The invention in its-preferred form is.

5 clearly illust-rated in the accompanying drawings which,`with the numerals of reference marked thereon, form a part of this specification, and in which- Figure l is atop plan of my improved sorting machine. 4 y

Figure 2 is a 'front elevation thereof.,

' Figure 3 is a'front elevation of one of the movable leaves with portions beneath the same in section, ason the line BTP-3 ,ot Figure l.

Figure lis a side elevation of the device with portions broken away, with the cover removed.

Figure 5 is an opposite side of the machine with a portion only of the cover shown, the remainder of the cover being removed.

Figure 6 is an enlarged detail in side elevation 'showing by dotted lines the position assumed by one of the movable leaves when moved for the insertion of a paper.

Figure 7, is an enlarged perspective detail, with portions broken away,ishowing one .of the movable leaves and its attached finger, with a paper-shown in dotted lines held thereby. 'l

Figure 8 is a detail in plan View, with the triggers shown in section.

Figure 9 is a vertical cross section on the line 9-9 of Figure 4, looking inthe direction ot the arrows.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the cover, removed. p

Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 3, showing a modified form of construction.

Like numerals of reference indicate like parts throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings:

Numeral l designates a base of suitable material and size, which may rest upon av to the base in any suitable manner, as byl screws or the liket 4, see Figure 2. The

elevation looking at the 'I shape, size, and height of these uprights 3'. mag vary under the conditions of use. ,e t the upper ends .of these corner uprights there are secured the side strips 5, while on the front end is secured to the` front yuprights the transverse strip 6, and atlthe rear end to the rear uprights is secured the transverse strip 7. The-front and rear transverse members 6 and 7 are provided upon their upper edges with vertically disposed slots 8so that the said members 6 and 7 eachl constitute what might be termed a'comb,'each of the slots being designed to receive and to provide for ready sliding movement of the bars, soon to-be described, and designed for actuation of the movable leaves. Any suitable means, such as a strip 9, seen in Figure 2, may' be provided to prevent "upward dis lacement of the bars from their slots while` eingmanipulated. As seen in Figure 1, I preferably, though not necessarily, provide the transy.verse member 10,-which is likewise slotted,

as seen at 11, the slots, however, extending from.' the lower edge of the strip upward andserving to guide the bars in their movement and prevent upward as well as lateral displacement during manipulation.

The bars 12 which may be of any desired number, but in the present form of embodiment of the invention I employ fifty. Each bar is mounted for sliding movement in aligning slots in the members 6, 7 and 10, as will bereadily understood upon reference to Figure 1, and in the resent embodiment of the invention each o these bars has fixedly secured thereto so as to move there-- with depending lugs or the like 1.3,I in the present instance ten on each bar, and which serve as triggers ,for manipulating the leaves soon to be described. e

Each of these bars 1,2 carries a finger piece 14, each bearing a designation, said designations being either all o d, all even, or..all"in sequence, as miay be desired, the numbers inthe present instance beine' odd. numbers runningfrom 1 to 99, and being also staggered, as seen in Figure 1, that is, the first bar at the left is numbered 1, the next bar 3,1the next 5, the next 7 the next 9, and'then the next set runsfrom 11 to 19, so that, as will be readily 'seen from Figure 1, all of the designations ending in 1 will be arranged in one row', as considered transversely of Ithe machine all those ending in 3 extending transversly in one row, and so on. In lieu of these numerals any other designations may be placed upon the finger pieces of thebars.

In the form of construction now being described each' depending lug ortrigger 13 moves a series vof leaves as the bar l2 is moved, as will be made clear as the description proceeds. bar. is restrained against movement by means of a spring `15,

one for each bar, said springs being attached at their forward end to the rear end of'a bar 12 and at theirl rear end to a transverse member 16 secured to the side pieces 5 by forwardly extending portions 17, as seen in Figure 1. A transverse bar 18 serves to limit the rearward movement of the bars when released fromthe pressure exerted on the finger pieces and retracted by the springs. In order that the'springs may not interfere with each other in the move- Ament of the bars I sometimes arrange such springs in different vertical planes, as indicated in Figure 1, each alternate spring beiner dispose above and below. the cross mem' er 18, the upper' springs being attached to the upper-edges of the bars and {,)he lower springs -to the lower edges of such As before stated the construction herein shown and described is intended to be sym- Ibolic only of the generic. character of the therewith if desired. These members l19- serve not only as spacers for the grouips ofleaves but -also as a support therefor when in their Arearward positions and as stops for the same in. their' forward movement. As seen in Figures 4 and 5 the spaces 20 between .two adjacent 'transverse strips 19 are greater than the combined thickness of one group in each of said spaces. This 1s to the leaves 21. which are arranged-ingreups,

provide room for freedom of movement of the leaves and also to compensate for I"the thickness of the papers inserted between the leaves of each group in the o eration of the .machine.` The^ number of eaves in each group can Vary ad libitum, dependent upon the character of the sorting for which each particular machine may be devised. These leaves 21 are formed of any suitable Inateral,y preferably aluminum, for sake of` lightness of weight as well as ease of manipulation, and in the present instance I have chosen to describe each gro-up as cornprising fifty leaves; and each of these leaves 21 carries a spring finger 22, seen clearly 1n Figure 7, one finger being secured to each leaf'at the inner end ofthe finger, leavlng the. finger free for the ready insertion of a paper, check, or the like, 24, shown in dotted line in said Figure 7, inserted bctween the finger 22 and the leaf 21'.

Each leaf of each group is mounted for freedom of movement, and while this may in the present instance shown eac I have leaf as provided at the bottom edge with a portion 25 inclined forwardly fromthe body of the be accomplished in a variety of Wayl's leaf, 'and this inclined portion is vprovidedl at each end with a notch 26 extending inwardly, as will :be understood upon reference to Figure 7, and in assembling the parts each of these slots or notches loosely receives the horizontal member 27 of an angle-'iron 28, provided upon each side of the machine with the vertical portions thereof being secured to the base 1 in any suitable manner as by screws or the like 29, see Figure 3. Thus each group of leaves has each leaf freely movable, as upon a pivot, an'd by reason of the inclination of the portion 25 when a leaf or leaves of a group is or are moved by manipulation of the proper bar, the remainder of the leaves in each group toward the rear do nothave a tendency to follow up those moved; that is, those not positively moved by the manipulation. of the bar retain their position, inclined toward the rear of the machine, thus leaving a V-shaped opening between the selected leaves for the ready insertion of the paper intended therefor.

Each leaf 21 is provided with an upwardly. extending lug or projection 30, as seen in Figure 3, and each of these projections is of materially greater dimensions in the direction of the length of the leaf than the thickness of the trigger 13 which is designed assist the rearward or return movements of the groups of leaves, and when this becomes necessary I provide for each group a spring linger or strip 31, each of said spring fingers -being secured to a transverse member 19, as

seen in Figures 4 and 5i, except that the front spring 31 is secured to the base 1, as-

seen in Figure 2 at 31, This spring should be of such character as not to offer material resistance to the forward movement of the groups of leaves during the operation of the machine but sufficient to assist gravity in aid in returning the groups of leavesl to their normal or rearward position.

As means of protection to the leaves, which, as, seen in Figures 1 and 2, project beyond the left-hand side plate of the machine for a purpose which will be readily understood after the operation of the device is proceeded with, I provide at front and ysort papers of greater or rear a protector plate '32 secured to the upri hts 3, as shown at 33, see Figure 2.

ach leaf 21 may be of any desired form, that shown in Figure`3 having been found very efficient, the material at top and bot-- tom being removed for sake of lightness, and

the outer or left-hand end of each is preferably cut away upon an incline or otherwise as seen at 34 in Figures 2 and 3, so as to permit of vertical adjustment of the supportin 'platform or shelf now to be describe so as tol accommodate the device to less width, or vertical dimensions.

This support or platform 35 may be or may not be used. but when employed is secured to the left-hand side of the machine, as, for instance, to one of the uprights 3,

which latter is provided with a vertically l elongated slot 36, in which is engaged a thumbscrew or the like 37 mounted in the front member of the'platform or support 35 to accommodate it to different heights of papers. As seen in Figure 1 this 'platform' or support is preferably provided with a plurality of vertically arranged dividinc plates or the like 38, so as to form a plurality of compartments 39, one opposite each group of leaves. It will be understood of course that a provision similar to that provided at the front of the device for vertical adjustment of the platform or support, is also made at the rear of the machine. d

In order to house and protect the parts I employ a cover 40, seen removed in Figure 10, having at the front of the top an opening 41, through which project the finger pieces 14, and eut away at the left-hand side, as shown at 42', to provide space for the movement of the projecting portions of the leaves 21, and along this edge of the cover at the top I provide the index strip 43, secured thereto as shownin liigure 10, the said index strip being inclined outwardly and downwardly, as seen in '.'.gures 2 and 10, the designations on this strip corresponding to the groups of leaves, as will be readily understood.

It may sometimes be desirable to sort papers into tvvo or morelongitudinal rows. and for this purpose I provide the form of leaves shown at 44, in Figure 11, with a plurality of extensions 45 beveled upon theirunder sides, as seen at 4G, and each carryingI a spring finger 47, the numeral 48 indicating an upwardly extending lug for engagement by the trigger 13 on the actuating bar as heretofore explained. These leaves are mounted for movement in the same manner as those above described, and their mode of operation is identically the` same, except that the leaf is provided for sorting of multiplicity of rows disposed transversely of the machine. I

In machines designed for certain purposes `begin the sQrt with a pile of papers with the spring fingers 22 on the leaves maybe dispensed with, while in machines designed for'other purposes it may be desirable to use more than one spring finger on each leaf.

Vith the parts constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described, the operation briefly stated is as follows:

The mail matter, envelopes, checks, cards, or whatever it may be desired to sort, arranged promiscuously, are placed on a table or any'other .suitable means of support arranged within convenient reach of the 0perator who stands or sits at .the front end of the machine, and are picked up one by one, or otherwise, for ready insertion into the appropriate space or pocket formed between the leaves at the 'left-hand. side of the machine. In the above described form of construction andlassuming that there are fifty leaves in each group the operator would numbers thereon running, say, from 1 to 1,000, all in promiscuous condition. He would pick up any one of the papers and readily perceiving the number to be, say for instance, 120, would carry the paper opposite the index number 1 on the index strip 43 at the left-hand side of the ma# chine, at practically the same time he pulls forward finger piece numbered 21. This forward movement of thelinger piece causes the bar 12 to which it is attached to move forward and in doing so the lug 13 on said barengages the upstanding lug 30 on the front leaf in each group moving forward the front leaf of each group, the leaves of each group to the rear of the actuated leaves not being affected but remaining in place. This movement provides an opening or pocket in each group between the leaf moved and the lone next adjoining it at the rear. Each leaf with its spring finger serves for holdingtwo checks or papers, the last or right-hand ligure or digit of which is either an even or an odd number. If the first paper handled has an odd number the paper is placed between the spring finger 22 and the leaf to which it is attached; but if it be an even number, as in the case supposed, the check or paper is placed between the said spring finger and the leaf next adjacent in front. This having been done the check or paper will be found in the. pocket or space representing the number 120. Supposing, for instance, that the number of the paper selected had been 121, the same mode of procedure would be followed except that the paper would be placed in the space between the spring finger and the leaf to which it 1s attached, and thus the paper would be in the space representing the number 1'21. This mode of procedure isY followed with all of the papers. Another example, say with the cheek numbered 763, the. paper is carried opposite the group designated 7 on the index member 43, the finger piece numbered 63 is pulled forward thus moving for-` `and the paper or check, its last or righthand digit being 3 (an odd number) is placed in the opening between the spring finger and the leaf by which it is carried;`

had the number been 762, the paper or check would have been placed in front of the spring finger, that is, between such spring finger and the leafcnext adjacent toward the front. This mode of procedure is followed with each and every paper to be sorted. As soon as the paper is in proper position pressure is removed from the finger piece, and the springl returns the bar to its normal position, the leaves also all gravitate to their normal or -rearward position, and the next appropriate bar is moved for the insertion of the next paper. It is to be understood that, in this form of construction, the properly positioned -papers are held only at'their right-hand end, as indicated in dotted lines in Figure 7, leaving a greater .or less portion of the paper projecting beyond the outer ends of the leaves where they can be readily .grasped in any desired quantity by the hand of the operator for removal after all or any desired number of the papers have been sorted. These projecting ends or portionsof `the papers are supported upon the platform 35, the partitions ormembers .'38 serving to retain the papers of each group in appropriate position. As the papers are removed from the machine they should of course be taken in numerical order in whatever quantity desired vand placed in such position that when all have been removed the numbers will read consecutively from top to bottom.

It will be noted that by the use of this device one handling of the papers is all that is necessary up to the time that they are finally removed from the machine, when all will be -found in' correct numerical order.

JThen any one finger pieceV is moved the bar movedtherewith causes actuation of all of the correspondingly numbered leaves,

for instance, if the finger piece numbered 21 is moved itsbar will actuate the leaf to open the pocket 21 in each and every one of lao' fore stated, is provided for` the purpose of sortingtwo or more longitudinal rows of papers,it being obvious that as many rows as desired may be assorted, by providing the necessary number of extensions 45.A The construction shown in Fig. 11 may be utilized to sort twoV rows of 1,000 papers each, the odd numbers being placed beneath the spring fingers 47, and the even numbers between said-.finger and the leaf next in front'.

lThis modification is also adapted for the sort of 1,000 papers, in two parallel rows ot 500 each, the spring ngers 47 being `dispensed with in such operation. It is to be understood that, in such a sort', there will be two longitudinal rows of groups 21, and two rows of compartments 39, also that each of the finger pieces 14 will be provided with two sets of numbers, one preferably above the other, and the bottom number being 50 points higher than the top number. In other words', referring to the five staggered finger pieces 14, in the approximately vertical rows of finger pieces on the left, in- Figure 1, the top finger piece 14 would bear the numbers 1 and 51; the next to the top`- piece would carry the numbers 2 and 52, etc., throughout all of the rows of keys, so that the last nger piece of the row,'at the extreme right', wouldbear the numbers50 and 100.

one to one hundred, inclusive, are placed in In operation, every check or paper carry-- ing numbers such that the last two digits aggregate fifty or less, would be placed in the row at the left of the machine, and those in which the last two digits run from fiftythe row at the right. Specifically, in locating thev position for the number 763,y the operator lpulls forward the finger lpiece bearing the numeral-63, and this movement will cause the forward movement of the thirteenth lear` from the front in each group in both longitudinal rows of the groups 21. Since the numeral 63 is in excess of ifty, and the first number on the paper is 7, the operator places the check in the opening formed in the right hand row and opposite the numeral 7 carried by the strip 43.

If the next paper selected is No. 121, theI j operatorpulls the linger vpiece bearing the numeral 21, and places the paper in the opening provided in the left hand row oppo, site`the number 1 carriedby the strip 43. A c When the 1,000 papers are all sorted, as just described, it will be obvious that the group 21 at the front of the left hand row will contain in proper order all papers numbered 1 to 50, inclusive; that the group immediately opposite in the right hand row will contain papers numbered 51 to 100, inclusive; that the next to the front group on the left will contain papers numbered 101 vto 150, and the Aopposite row to the right will contain papers numbered 151to 200, etc., etch In abstr cting the papers after'the sort is complete the operator first-pulls out all of the papers in the front group of the row to the left; then removes the papers in the front group 'of the row to the right, placing them behind the papers first abstracted; then the next to the front group in the row to the left, etc., until all of the papers are taken from the machine, and they will be found to be inexact order.

1' From the foregoing description, it should be readily understood that, in each embodiment of my invention herein described, I have provided spaces for 1,000 checks, or other papers, by the utilization of 500 leaves, arranged in ten groups of 50 leaves each, in combination with 50 triggers, each of which is adapted for? actuation to simultaneously cause a V-shaped opening'to be provided between corresponding and similarly located leaves of all of the ten groups. I have also Vprovided an index strip 43, whereby the operator is apprised as to the proper opening in which to deposit the paper, dependent upon the indicia carriedby the latter. It. will be understood, there-- fore, that the checks, as herein described, are assorted by Ithe terminal and sub-terminal indicia carried thereby.

For instance, in the examplesgiven in the foregoing descriptionv of the operation of the device, in the process of positioning the check numbered 763, the numerals 63 constitute the terminal index, and the numeral 7 the sub-terrninaly index. v space for a paper of this number, the oper- -ator first glances at the-third number from the last, in this instance the number 7, and moves the paper -up to the grou of leaves immediately below'the numeral' 7v on the' strip 43. A trained operator will almost In locating the" simultaneously note that the last two numbers are 63, and will-have pulled the inger piece bearing the number63, so that, by the p time the paper has reached a point adjacent the group of leaves under the number 7 on l the strip 43, the appropriate `space-will have been provided between the leaves in each group (in this case leaves 32 and 33 in each group) and the operator thenplaces Athe paper under or infront of the spring clip 22, dependent vupon the terminaldesignation, in this instance, since the terminal designat- M ing placed under the clip 22. v

The same general principle of operation on is anfodd number, the check bewill prevail in the alphabetical sort, the

finger'pieces bearing lettersm the alphabet,

and the strip 43 also bearngthe .letters of linger piece is pulled, openiiiga space under each of the letters on thestrip 43, and the article is dropped into the space under the letter P; on the second sort the letters r and kare. simultaneously considered; next the letters e and r.

This identical principle is carried out with invoice slips, sales slips, etc., bearing a plurality of arbitrary letters, symbols or numbers, or any combination of letters, symbols and numbers. In all cases, such designations .are placed on the linger ieces as will identify them 'with certain designations carried by the articles being sorted, and such indicia are placed upon the strip 43 as will correspond with other indicia carried by the articles bein sorted. AThe machine herein described and shown 1s practically fool proof inasmuch as while there is.practically no likelihoodof the paper being improperly placed in the sortingof the papers, each space or pocket is designed to contain but one paper and thereforeif at any time the operator should find a paper, say, for instance, number 870 for insertion, and he finds the 870 space occupied, he at 'once knows that the paper in such space was incorrectly deposited orl that it' is a duplicate, andhel lcan readily Yremove the saine and put it in its `proper place, or, if it be a'duplicate, this fact is readily detected. Under some conditions, however, a machine may have pockets or spaces each of which may contain a multiplicity of papers. For instance, in a machine designed for sortingbank checks where it lmay be desired to place all the checks on one bank together regardless of `their numerical order, the space or pocket would be correspondingly enlarged and the finger pieces correspondingly designated, and in this instance only one leaf for each of such pockets would be required. Again, the finger pieces may be designated by letters or other indicia in accordance with the character ofthe Work to be done by the machine. These and various other modifications in detail, as Well as proportion of parts, etc., I should deem as clearly coming within the scope of my invention, and Il therefore do not wish to be restricted to theA exact details, designations, proportion ofparts, etc., as hereinbefore disclosed, but reserve the right to make y such changes,

variations, and modifications as come propappended designations, and inserting an article in a space classified iii accordance y,Witlianother designation carried by the article.

2. The method "of sorting a multiplicity of promiscuously arranged papers into a plurality of appropriate groups which con- 4 ceiving spaces in each group and then inserting the appropriate paper in proper place in its appropriate group, leavingportions of such papers exposed to facilitatoremoval.

4. The method of sorting a multiplicity of promiscuously arranged papers' into a plurality of appropriate groudps which consists in simultaneously provi ing paper-receiving spaces in each group and then inserting the appropriate paper in proper place in its appropriate group, the papers being placed on edge witha portion of each exposed to facilitate removal.

5. In a sorting machine, a multiplicity of movably mounted leaves arranged into a plurality of groups and means -for simultaneously moving a correspondingly. positioned leaf in all the groups.

6. In a sorting machine, a multiplicity of movably mounted' leaves arranged into a pluralityof groups and means forsimultaneously moving a correspondingly positioned leaf in al1 the groups, and paper-rey taining` means carried by the leaves.

7. In a sorting machine, a 'plurality of. groups of `leaves mounted for independent movement and means for simultaneously' moving a selected leaf of each group, said leaves being mounted to maintain normal position by gravity.

8. In a sorting machine, a multiplicity of groups of leaves, each group comprising a multiplicity of movably mounted leaves, and means for simultaneously laterally moving correspending'leaves in each group.

9. In a sorting machine, a V'multiplicity of groups of leaves, each group comprising a multiplicity of movably mounted leaves,

and means for simultaneouslyseparating corresponding leaves in each group, each side of each leaf serving as a support for' two differently designated papers to be deposited thereinbetween. 10. In a sorting machine, a multiplicitjj,r .of groups of leaves, each group comprising- 4 a multiplicity of movably mounted leaves',

held in normal position by gravity,-'and means for simultaneously separating corf responding leaves in each group.

11. In a sorting machine, a multiplicity of independently movably mounted leaves arranged to form agroup, actuatorsl `for said leaves each leaf Vbeing provided with means for engagement byan actuator, said" leaf-supporting member,

and a le'af having its lower portion extending. at lan angle to the bodythereof and provided with a slot adapted to receive said member.

14e. ln a sorting machine, a leaf-supporting member, a leaf actuator, a leaf havingr its lower portion extending at an angle to the body thereof and provided with a slot adapted to receive said member, the upper edge of said leaf being provided with a lug adapted for engagement with said actuator. '15. liny a sortin machine, a support-ing frame, Ya leaf having its lower portion extending at an angle to the body thereof, said leaf having a portion extending beyond the-frame of the machine to provide a support for papers being assorted, substantially as described.

i6. ln a sorting machine, a supporting frame, a leaf having its lowerjportion extending at an angle to the body thereof,

said leaf having a portion extending beyond the frame of the machine, and provided with a paper-holding member, substantially as described. ff

17. ln a sorting machine, a supporting frame, ia leaf having its lower portion eX- vtendingat an angle tothe body. thereof, said leaf having a portion extending beyond the frame of the machine, and .provided with a resilient paper-holding member, substantially as described.

18; In a sorting machine, a leaf having its lower portion. extending atan angle to the bo-dythereof, and constituting a support for `the leaf, a reciprocating leaf-actuator, and a lug on the upper edge of said leaf adapted for engagement by said actuator in its reciprocation. y

i9. In a sorting machine, a leaf having its lower portion extending at an angle to the body thereof, aud constituting a support for .the leaf, a reciprocating leaf-actuator, a lug 'on the upper edge of said leaffadapted for engagement by said actuator in its reciprocation, and means for returning said actuator to normal-position, after each reciprocatio-n thereof.

20. A sorting machine provided with a plurality of pivotally mounted elementsl arranged mto groups containing an equal number af elements and adapted to yreceive papers therebetween, in combination with means for simultaneously pivotally moving like elements in the several groups, to provide paper-receiving spaces therebetween, substantially as described. I

2l. A sorting machine provided with a plurality of leaves arranged in groups, in-

dicia denoting the classification of each group, and means for simultaneously moving a selected leaf in each group to provide paper-receiving spaces 'adjacent said leaves. substantially as described.

22. A sorting machine provided with a plurality of leaves arranged in groups, indicia denoting the classification of each group, means for simultaneously separating a selected leaf in each group from the adjacent leaf of its group to provide avpaper receiving space between adjacent leaves-'and means carried by the leaves for indicating the selected space into which apaper is to be inserted. y

2B. A sorting machine compr1s1ng a multiyplicity of movably mounted leaves arranged into a plurality of groups containing `)an equal number of leaves; each leaf in each,

group having a different classification, but the differentgroups having corresponding leaf classifications, and means for simultaneously moving the leaves of the same classification in all of the groups.

24J A sorting machine comprising a multiplicity of movably mounted leaves arranged in a plurality of groups containing an equal number of leaves, each leaf 1n leach group having a different classification, but the different groups having corresponding leaf lclass'.fications, and means for simultaneously moving the leaves of the same classification in all of the groups, in combination with indicia denoting a different classification for each group. f I

25. ln a sorting machine, a' multiplicity cf groups of leaves independently movably mounted, actuators for said leaves, and yindicia on each of said actuators, classifying it with certain leaves in each group.

26. In a sorting machine, a multiplicity of groups of leaves independently. movably mounted, reciprocatory actuators for said leaves,5and indicia on each actuator classifying it with certain leaves in each group.

.27. In a sorting machine, a multiplicity of groups of leaves independently movably mounted, actuators fo-r said leaves, indicia on each actuator classifying it with certain leaves of each group, and means whereby actuation of a selected actuator simultaneously moves a corresponding number of leaves in each group. l

28.', In a sorting machine, a multiplicity of groups of leaves yindependently movably mounted, reciprocatory actuators yfor said leaves, indicia on each actuator classifyin it with certain leaves ofv each group, an means whereby actuation'of a selected actuator simultaneously moves a corresponding numberV of leaves in each group.

' 29. Infa sorting machine, multiplicity of groups of leaves independently movably mounted to be held in their normal osition by gravity, reciprocatory actuators or said leaves, means on each actuator classifying it with a certain leaf of each gro-up, and means whereby actuation of a selected actuator simultaneously movesa corresponding number of leaves in each group.

30. A sorting machine comprising a multiplicity of spaced elements so arranged in groups containing an equal number of elements that similarly positioned elements of each group have the same classification, and means for simultaneously moving all the ele-I ments of the same classification in each group. c

3 1. A sortingmachine comprising a multiplicity of spacing elements so arranged in groups containing an-equal number of elements that similarly positioned" elements inv each group have the same classification, indicia denoting the classification of each group, and means for'simultaneously moving al1 the elements ofthesame'classification geciprocation to move only the elements of the same classification in each group.

38. A sorting machine for articles bearin'g terminal designations comprising a multiplicity of spacing elements so arranged into a plurality of groups containing an equal number of elements that correspondingly positioned elements of all groups have the same classification, and means adapted for actuation to simultaneously provide, between adjacent elements, an article-receiving space of the sameclassilication in all the groups, and in. accordance with the terminal designations 'carried by the articles being sorted.

34.' lA sorting machine for articles bearing terminal and sub-terminal designations, comprising a multiplicity of spacing` elements so arranged into a plurality of groups containing an equal number of elements that correspondingly positioned elements of all the Vgroups have the same classification, a plurality of actuators each of which is adapted for reciprocation to simultaneously 4provide an'v article-receiving space of the i same classification in all the groups, and in accordance with the terminal designations carried by the articles being sorted, and indicia carried by the machine denoting the group appropriate for the reception of each article, as indicated by the sub-terminal designation carried by the latter.

35. The method of sorting promiscuously. arranged papers, in accordance with the terminal and sub-terminal designations carried thereby, which consists in simultaneously providingoa plurality of spaces a propriate for the terminal designation, of) a paper and inserting the paper in the space appropriate to the sub-terminal designation.

36. A sorting machine comprising a multiplicity of spacing elements arranged in a plurality of groups -positioned -in separate rows, each group containing an equal number of elements, and each element of each group in each row having a separate classification, in combination with means for moving in unison elements of the same classification in every group in each row, substanism and each carrying spacing elements formmg. a plurality of rowsy arranged 1n l"groups containing an e ual number of elements, and means for simultaneously moving'members of the -same classificati'oninl each group.

Y38. A sorting machine comprising a multiplicity of members positioned in,paral1el ism and each carryinl spacing elements forming a plurality o? rows arranged in groups containing an e ual number of elements, and means `for slmultaneo'usly mov- 'each group, said means comprising a movable actuator-adapted for movement to simultaneously engage members of the same classification in each group.

'39. A sorting machine comprising a plurality of movable leaves arranged in groups, an actuator adapted for movment to separate a correspondingly positioned leaf of each group from the leaf adjacent` thereto, and means A for automatically returning ,said leaves to their normal position.

40. A sorting machine comprising a plurality of movable leaves arranged in groups, an actuator adapted for movement to sepaing members of .the same classification inrate a correspondingly positioned leaf of means for automatically returning said' leaves to'their normal osition, said means com rising a resiliente ement bearing upon the tending to restore the moved leaves of said portion to `their normal positions. n

42. A sorting machine comprising 'a \plul ralityof pivotally mounted .leaves arranged in groups and held in a normalposition by gravity, an actuator adapted for movement to separate a correspondingly positioned leaf of each, group from the leaf adjacent thereto, `and means for assisting gravity i-n the restoration of said leaves tonormal position.

43. A sorting machine comprising a pluralityof leaves arranged into groups, and a `lural'ity of leaf actuators, each actuator being adapted upon movement to provide a space between correspondingly positioned leaves ofi each group. l

44. A sorting machine 'comprising a rplurality of movably mounted leaves arranged in groups, each leaf being provided with an `abutme1'1t, and an actuator common to leaves ofthe same classification in4 each group and provided with a vprojection adapted to contact the abutment' on said leaves only, upon movement of said actuator.

45. A sorting machine comprising a frame, a` plurality of movably mounted leaves arranged in groups and extending laterally across the frame, an abutment so positioned on each leaf as to form a series of. staggered abutments across the frame for each group of leaves, and a series of actuators extending longitudinally of the frame, each actuator carrying projections adapted, upon movement of the actuator,

to 'contact only the abutments of a series of correspondingly positioned leaves of the several groups.

46. A sorting lmachine comprising a frame, a' plurality of movably mounted leaves arranged in groups and extending -laterally acrossthe frame, an abutment' so Vpositioned on each leaf asto form a series of staggered abutments across the frame for each group of leaves, a series of actuators extending longitudinallyof the frame,

'each actuator carrying projections adapted,

upon movement of the actuator, to contact only the abutments of a series of correspondingly positioned'leavs ofthe several groups, and means for automatically restoring said leaves to normal position.

A 47. A sorting machine comprising a frame,

a plurality of movably mounted leaves ar ranged in groups and extending laterally across the frame, an abutment so positioned on each leaf as to form a series of staggered butments across the frame for each group of leaves, a series of actuators extending longitudinally. of the frame, each actuator carrying projections adapted, upon ont portion of each group of leaves and' movement of the actuator, to contact onl the abutments of a series of correspon ingly positioned leaves of theseveral groups, and means for automatically restoring said leaves to normal "position, said means comprising a resilientelement bearing upon the front portion of each group.

'48. AA sorting machine comprising a A frame', la plurality of movably mounted leaves` arranged in groups and extending laterallyacross the frame, an abutment so positioned on each leaff'asl to form a series of staggered abutments; across the frame for each group o leaves, a series of actua ators extending longitudinally of the frame, each actuator carrying projections adapted,

upon movement of the actuator, to contact l only the abutments of a series of correspondingly positioned leaves of the'several groups, means for Vautomatically restoring said leaves to norinal position, and means for automatically restoring each actuator to its normal position j 49. A 'sorting machine comprising a frame, a plurality of movably mounted leaves arranged in groups and extending laterally across the frame, ann abutment so positioned on each leaf as to form a series of staggered abutments across the frame for each group of leaves, a series of actuators lexten-ding longitudinally ofthe frame, each actuator carrying projections adapted, upon \movement of the actuator, to contact -only the abutments of a series of correspondingly positioned leaves of. the .several groups, means for automatically restoring said leaves to normal position, and means for.'

automatically restoring each actuator to its normal position, said means comprisinga resilient element connected to said actuator and to the said frame. 1

. 50. A sorting machine comprising a plurality of movably mounted lea-ves arranged in groups, each containing an equal number of leaves, an abutment carried by a correspondingly positioned leaf in each group, an actuator common to said correspondingly positioned leaves and provided with projectons positioned for vcontact with said abutments, upon movement of said actuator, land indicia carried by the actuator classifying it with said leaves.

51. A sorting machine comprising a frame, a plurality of movably mounted leaves arranged in groups and .extendingl ico' ing it with said leaves ofthe same classification in eachgroup.

' 52. A sorting'machine comprising a plurality of movably mounted leaves arranged 1n groups, each group containing an equal number of leaves, an 3abutment carried by a correspondingly positioned leafin each group, an actuator common to said correspondingly positioned leaves and providedwith projections positioned forcent-act with said abutments, upon movement of sai-d actuator, and indicia carriedby the machine denoting the classification of each group.`

53. A sorting machine comprising a frame, a plurality of inovably mounted leaves arranged in groups and extending laterally across the frame, an abutment so positioned on each leaf as to form a series of a staggered abutments across the frame for each group of leaves, a series of actuators extending longitudinally of the frame, each actuator-carrying projections adapted, upon movement of the actuator, td contact only the abutinents of a series of correspondingly positioned leaves of the several groups, indicia carried by each actuator y classifying it with said leaves of the same classification in each group, and indicia car- *leaves adapted to maintain a normal posi` ried by the machine denoting the classification of each group.

54. A sorting machine comprising a frame, a multiplicity of movably mounted leaves adapted to maintain a normal-position by gravity, and arranged in a plurality of groups which extend laterally of the machine and project outwardly therefrom, indicia carried by the frame and denoting the value of each projecting group of leaves, an abutment carried by each leaf, and actuators extending longitudinally of the frame and provided with projections, each of which is adapted, under movement of its actuator, to contact the abutment of and move one of the corresponding leaves of the same` classification in each group..

55. A, sorting machine comprising -a frame, a/multiplicity of movably mounted tion by gravity, and arranged in a plurality of groups whiclieXtend laterally of the machine and project outwardlytherefrom, indicia carriedby the frame and denoting the j valueJ of each projecting group of leaves, an

abutment carried by each leaf, actuators eX- tendllg longitudinally of the frame and provided with projections, each of which is adapted, under movement of its actuator, to Contact with the abutment of kand move one of the corresponding `leaves of the same classification in each group, andindicia carleaves of the same vclassification in each 5 6. A sorting machine comprising a frame, a multiplicity of movably mounted leaves adapted to maintain a normal position by gravity, and arranged in a plurality of groups which extend laterally of the machine and project voutwardly therefrom, indicia carried by the frame and denoting the value of each projecting group of leaves, an abutment carried by each leaf, actuators extending longitudinally of the frame and providedwith projections, each of which is adapted, under movement of its actuator, to Contact with the abutment of and move one of. the corresponding leaves of the same classification in each group, and means automatically assisting gravity in the restoration of said shifted leaves to normal position.

57. A sorting machine comprising a frame, a multiplicity of movably mounted leaves adapted to maintain a normal position by gravity, and arranged in a plurality of groups which extend laterally of the machine and project outwardly therefrom, indicia carrie-d by the frame and denoting lthe value of each projecting group of leaves, au abutment carried by each leaf, actuators extending longitudinally of the frame and provided with projections, each of which is adapted, under movement of its actuator, to contact with the abutment of'and move one of thel corresponding leaves of the saine classification in. each group, and means automatically assisting gravity in the restoration of said shifted leaves to normal position, said means comprising av resilient member mounted to oppose` movement of said leaves from normal position.

58. A sorting machine comprising a frame, a multiplicity of movably mounted leaves adaptedto maintain a normal l position by gravity, and arranged in a plurality oftpgroups which extend laterally of the machine and project outwardly therefrom, indicia carried by the frame and denoting the value of each projecting. group` of'leaves` an abutment carried by each leaf` actuators extending longitudinally of the frame and provided with projections, each of which is adapted, under movement of its actuator, to contact with the abutment of and move one of the corresponding leaves 'of the sam'e classification in each group. and means for automatically restoring said actuators to normal position.

59. A sorting machine comprising a frame, a multiplicity 'of vmovablv mounted leaves adapted to maintain a normal position byv gravity, and arranged in a plurality of groups which extend laterally of the machine and project outwardly therefrom, indicia carried by the frame and denoting the 0 ,value of each projecting group of leaves, an ried by each actuator classifying it with abutment carried by each-leaf, actuators eX- tending longitudinally of the frame and provided with projections, each of which is adapted, under movement of its actuator, to contact with the abutment of and move one lUU lit

.and' to said frame'.

of.the corresponding leafves ofthe 'same' classification in each group, and means for -automatically restoring said 'actuators to',

i the value of each projecting group of leaves,

an abutment carried by each leaf, actuators extending longitudinally of the frame, and provided with projections, each of which is adapted, under movement of its actuator, to Contact with the' abutment of and move one of the corresponding leaves of the same classification in each group, indicia carriel by each actuator classifying it with leaves of the same classification in each fgtroup, and means for gravity in the restoration of said leaves to normal position.

61. A sorting machine colnprislng a frame, a multiplicity of movably mounted leaves adapted to maintain a normal position by gravity, and arranged in a plurality of groups whichr extend laterally lof the machine and project outwardly therefrom, indicia carried by the frame'and .denoting the value of each projecting group of leaves, an abutment carried by' each leaf,

actuators extendingy longitudinally of the frame land provided with projectionsl`each of which is adapted, under movement of its actuator, to contact with the abutmentof and move one of the corresponding leaves of the same classification in. each group, in-

dicia carried by each actuator classifying risino a resilient member mounted to o sl) ,s

it with leaves of the same classification in each group, and means for automatically assisting gravity in the restoration of said leaves to normal position, said means compose movement of said leaves from normal positipn.

627A' sorting machine vcomp-rising a frame, a multiplicity of pivotally mounted leaves extending transversely of the frame and projecting therefrom in a plurality of separated groups, a series of actuat'ors extending above and transversely of the leaves, abutments so positioned on each leaf as to form a row of staggered abutments extending transversely of the framefor each group of leaves,`projections carried by each actuator and adapted, under movement of the latter, to Contact with the abutment of and simultaneously shift similarly classified leaves in all the groups, indicia carried by each actuator classifying it- With the classification of certain leaves in automatically assistingv1a." A

all the oups, aliousing for said actuators,

Aseparated` groups, a series ofactuators extending above and transversely of the leaves, abutments so positioned on each leaf as :to form a row of staggered abutments extending transversely of the frame for cach group of leaves, projections. carried by each actuator and adapted, under movement of the latter, to contact the abutment of and' simultaneouslyshift similarly-classi'- fied leaves in all the groups, indicia carried by each Aactuator classifying-it with the classification of certain leaves in all the `groups, a housing for said actuators, indicia carried by` said housing, adjacent said groups, denotingthe classification of the latter, and means automaticallyytending to restore said shifted leaves to normal posi` tion, substantially as described.

64, A sorting machine comprising a frame, a multiplicity of leaves mounted for oscillatory motion and extending transversely of the frame and projecting therefrom in a plurality of separated groups, a series of actuators extending above and transversely of the leaves, abutments so positioned on each leaf as to foliin a row of staggered abutments extending transversely of .the frame for each group of leaves, projections carried by each actuator and adapted, under movement of the latter, to contact theabut ment of and simultaneously shift similarly classified leaves' in all the groups, indicia carried by each actuator classifying itv with the classificathe classification of' certain leaves in allthe groups, a housing forfsaid actuators,`indicia carried by said housing, adjacent said groups, denoting the classification of the latter, and means automatically tending t'o gestore said actuatorsito normal position,`

substantially as described.

65.. A sorting machine lcomprising la frame, a multiplicity of pivotally mounted leaves extending transversely of the frame and. projecting therefrom in a plurality of separated groups, a series of actuators extending above and transversely of the leaves abutments so positio/ned on each leaf as to form a row of staggered abutments extending transversely of the frame for each group lll of leaves, projections carried by each actuator and adapted, under movement of the latter, to `contact with the abutmentv of and simultaneously shift similarly classified leaves in all the groups, indicia carried by each actuator classifying it with the classiication of certain leaves in all the groups,

a housing for said actuators, indicia carried by said housing, adjacent. said groups, denoting the classication of the latter, means automatically tending to restore said shifted leaves to normal position, and means automatically tending to restore said actuators to normal position, substantially as described.

. 66. A sorting machine comprising a multiplicity of spacing elements in separated roWs each elementof each row having a different classification, by position, with a fixed variance of classification assigned to similarly positioned elements of the separated rows, and means for simultaneously .moving lsimilarly npositioned elements 'of arranged articles bearing'a vplurality of designations, Which consists in simultaneously providing a plurality of spaces of the same classication and in accordance with one designation carried `by an' article, and in thereafterdepositing said article in a space -sub'classiied in accordance With another\ deslgnation carried by said article.

i 69. The method of sorting promiscuously arranged` articles bearing terminal and sub-terminal designations, which consists in simultaneously providing a plurality of spaces of the same classification in accordance with the terminal designation of an article, and in thereafter Adepositing the l article in one of said spaces classified in accordance with the sub-terminal designation thereof.

70. A device for'sorting promiscuously" ing such spaces in accordance with another designation carried bysaid article.

71. The method of sorting promiscuously arranged articles bearing classifying indicia which consists in simultaneously providing a plurality of spaces ofy like classification in accordance with certain of the indicia carried by the article, depositing an article in a space classified in accordance with certain other indicia carried thereby, and thereafter clamping said paper in said space.

72. A machine for sorting promiscuously arranged papers having distinguishing indicia thereon, comprising means for snnultaneously roviding a plurality of spaces of like classi cation with respect to a portion of the indicia on the various papers, and means for automatically clamplng a aper in position after its deposit in one of) said spaces. f

73. The method of sorting promiscuously arranged articles which conslsts in simultaneously providing a multiplicity .of spaces classified for the reception of articles of like designations, in. accordance with an index carried by the article being sorted, and inserting the article in a space classified in ture.

GEORGE W. coX, JR. 

